Hidden Valley Trail

The Trail

The Hidden Valley Trail is a moderate 2.5 mile (one way) trail with an elevation change of 2046 feet. The beginning of this trail follows the Indian Trail heading northwest, so follow the signs for this trail as you start out from the trail head. The Hidden Valley Trail breaks off from it about .6 miles up from the start of the Indian Trail and turns southeast from there. The turn off occurs at a rocky area and is marked by a red arrow that says "Hidden Valley" painted on one of the rocks. The trail also immediately picks up its rate of ascent at this point. The climb remains mostly steady to the end of the trail with occasional short sections that are more level.

On the topographical map below, the red flag marks a slight turn off from the main trail that leads to a rocky view point. The blue flag marks a fire pit.

Most of the trail is fairly sun baked as it winds along the exposed face of the mountain while giving hikers nice panoramic views of the valley below. However, a little ways after the rocky view point, the terrain changes and the vegetation becomes more lush. The air becomes noticeably cooler and hikers will cross through a number a mini meadows full of wildflowers before reaching the view point at the end of the trail. The trail concludes with a large rock cairn and a view of Taylor Canyon and the mountains across the way.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Maps

Rock Cairn and View at the Trail's End

View of the Valley

Turn off from Indian Trail onto Hidden Valley Trail

Rock Painted with a red arrow to mark the turn off

Near the trail's end are a number of little meadows

Directions

This trail is located in Weber County, Utah. If you are trying to reach the trail head from south of Odgen, take I-15 to Exit 341 for 31st Street in Odgen. Turn right onto 31st Street, continue to Washington Blvd., turn left, and then take the first right onto 30th Street. Continue straight to 1200 E/Harrison Blvd. and turn left. Take a right at 22nd Street and continue up this road until you reach the parking lot at its end. The Indian Trail starts from here and is marked by an informative plaque under a little roofed structure.

If you are coming to the trail from north of Ogden, you can either take Hwy 89 to 12th Street and from there turn right onto Harrison Blvd. and continue to 22nd Street, or you can take I-15 to Exit 343 for 21st Street in Odgen. Turn left to head east along 21st Street to Wall Ave. Turn left on Wall Ave., right onto 20th, and then right onto Harrison Blvd. From there you can turn left onto 22nd Street and continue to the parking lot as explained above.

Stewart Falls

The Trail

This easy trail is about 1.8 miles long (one way) with an elevation change of 384 ft. The trail starts off with a mild climb before leveling off some and then descending to the falls. The trail ends at the base of Stewart Falls, a two tiered waterfall that drops over 200 ft.

This is a very popular trail among all age groups, and it is easy to understand why. It is fairly short, easy to travel, quite scenic, and ends with a fantastic waterfall. There is also a fairly good amount of shade along the trail during most of day. Don't be surprised to find a lot of hikers along this trail when you go, especially if you go on a weekend or holiday. If you go early enough in the year, you will also probably find some snow along the trail and/or at the waterfall.

Leashed dogs are permitted on this trail. Water and outhouses are available at the trail head. For more information on this area, please see Alpine Loop.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

If you cross the river at the end of this trail, you can also find a short rough trail (not shown on maps) that goes up to the smaller waterfall shown in the picture below. This little waterfall is from the stream of water seen to the left of Stewart Falls in the picture above.

Also, be aware that there is a good deal of stinging nettle along this trail. It will make your skin itch if you come into contact with it. Stinging Nettle has serrated edges on its leaves, hairy stems, and bluish flowers. Stay away from it, and/or wear long pants and closed shoes to avoid contact with it.

Stinging Nettle

Field of Stinging Nettle Along the Trail

Stinging Nettle Next to the Trail

Stewart Falls

This trail is also great to snowshoe during the winter

Stewart Falls in Winter

Directions

This trail is located in Utah County along the Alpine Loop. To get to the trail head, take exit 272 in Orem off of I-15. Head east along 800 North. Stay left when the road ends and splits to head up Provo Canyon. Continue up the canyon to the Alpine Scenic Hwy. Turn left at this road and continue up it past Sundance and Aspen Grove. You will reach a booth where you will have to pay $6.00 to continue. Take the first parking lot on the left right after this point. There are two major trail heads that depart from the lot. The first goes to the top of Timpanogos. The Stewart Falls trail head is on the far side of the parking lot across from the amphitheater.